What's an ideal build/combination for my needs?

[Midcont]

I've been thinking about a Cobra replica on and off for a few years since having a few days in a Backdraft model. If I buy, I'd be looking at something preowned/prebuilt and hopefully ironed out.
My research and perceived budget (I'd like to be in the 50's or low 60's) and what I think are the sweet spot for these cars is the Superformance 427, so that's what I have some questions on.

I'd be using the car both locally and on highway. I'd take it to work a few days here and there in the summer (all highway) and I'd take it for some fun rides on weekends. I want the most modern handling realistically available and the most fun to drive in a car that looks retro but has solid reliability. I'm not going to work on the car myself so I don't want constant tweaking and tuning. I do want power and while I know its a tricky car to put power down in, I don't think I'd want anything with much less than 500 (but I'm not looking for 800 either).

So if you guys with experience could put together a check list of parts to meet this goal, what would they be? That list would include:
Engine (by builder and or size/type/parts used):
Cooling:
Geartrain including highway ratios:
Suspension:
Brakes:

I've read enough to be cautious of Rousch engines and know the limitations of billboard tires. There is just a lot of options (and opinions) out there so I wanted to see if there would be any consistency to my situation.

I'm sure I left a lot out so please, ask me any questions. Thanks for any help.

[Ron61]

The Superformance is a very good car and you can most likely find one that has what you want. For an engine and what you state I would stay with a stroked 351, and for the builder that depends on where you are located. I like Kieth Kraft and Also F E Specialties as they build very good engines. We have some from both places around here and I haver never heard of any problems from either of them. Plus they will build whatever power you want. This is for both the small block and big block.

Gear ratios can run from 3:27s to 3:70s and be good for highway and a little road racing if you so desire. The transmission and it's ratios will also be a big factor in that.

Ron

[blykins]

Give me a call and I can help weed out the options for you. I'm familiar with pretty much anything Ford related, and ship world-wide.

[anthonyL]

Originally Posted by Midcont

I've been thinking about a Cobra replica on and off for a few years since having a few days in a Backdraft model. If I buy, I'd be looking at something preowned/prebuilt and hopefully ironed out.
My research and perceived budget (I'd like to be in the 50's or low 60's) and what I think are the sweet spot for these cars is the Superformance 427, so that's what I have some questions on.

I'd be using the car both locally and on highway. I'd take it to work a few days here and there in the summer (all highway) and I'd take it for some fun rides on weekends. I want the most modern handling realistically available and the most fun to drive in a car that looks retro but has solid reliability. I'm not going to work on the car myself so I don't want constant tweaking and tuning. I do want power and while I know its a tricky car to put power down in, I don't think I'd want anything with much less than 500 (but I'm not looking for 800 either).




So if you guys with experience could put together a check list of parts to meet this goal, what would they be? That list would include:
Engine (by builder and or size/type/parts used):
Cooling:
Geartrain including highway ratios:
Suspension:
Brakes:

I've read enough to be cautious of Rousch engines and know the limitations of billboard tires. There is just a lot of options (and opinions) out there so I wanted to see if there would be any consistency to my situation.

I'm sure I left a lot out so please, ask me any questions. Thanks for any help.

This is strictly just my opinion… But if you are looking to spend 50k to the low $60,000 range build a NEW backdraft. Also sounds like you are looking for the reliability of a coyote... You won't have 500 hp but I have been told that the performance of the coyote is very similar to the Ford racing 427 which is 535 hp. If that is correct about the coyote performance I can tell you that my BDR with the Ford racing 427 out ran my Porsche 911. My backdraft was stupid fast! I'm actually building a new backdraft right now. I built my first car in 2011 and looked at every replica available...I really did my homework and could go on and on why I chose backdraft but the main reason for me was the look of the body. Besides the fact that I think the BDR has a nicer look to it than all the replicas out there (AGAIN JUST MY OPINION) Vintage Motorsports builds backdrafts and in doing all my research in 2011 I knew they where the ONLY guys I wanted to build my car. Thier reputation was great and considering that I've already built with them once and I'm almost done with my second build I can tell you their good reputation is well deserved. I consider myself a pain in the ass but their attention to detail, knowledge, customization options and time they will spend with you before, during, and after the Build is well worth spending a little extra cash to get a NEW car.
Hope my opinion was helpful

[Midcont]

Anthony thanks for the reply.
I really don't want to go through a build. The main reason is I know these cars typically require a bunch of little corrections to get just right. I want to take advantage of what is a pretty good used market to get one that's been ironed out. The other is price. I want reasonable resale value should I decide I want to move on and I don't want to take all the depreciation myself. A coyote would be something I'd be interested in but I don't think I'll find one preowned at this point in time. It may also be unnecessarily anal when looking for reliability. I do want the thing to stink and snort a little bit at least.
My budget is based on seeing what asking prices are over time. This says nothing of what actual selling prices are. Once I narrow down the requirements, I can start focusing on closing prices.

[patrickt]

For $60k you can get a nice used car. It doesn't really matter what you buy, so long as you like it. Just remember: 1) Don't buy it sight unseen; 2) Don't buy it without driving it first; 3) Don't buy it without having somebody who really knows that particular breed of Cobra, and that particular engine, look it over, on a lift, and he has to take it out for a drive. The best Cobra mechanic in the world can't determine that it's a good car without doing both. If the owner refuses to allow that, then leave the car alone.

[buddyg]

www.cobracountry.com

[kevins2]

You'll also want to evaluate how badly you want to drive it to work. The insurance companies I checked with all wanted higher premiums for driving it to work - even occasionally. Maybe some companies don't but this is something you'll want to think through.

[olddog]

You should look for a 351w dased stroker that is over 400 cid. You want a hydraulic roller cam.

[lippy]

I agree with olddog that hydraulic makes sense, as does a 351. For that price, you may also want to consider an FE, and a used ERA. Just see as many cars as you can in person and you'll know what works for you.

[LMH]

ERA.
Larry

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by LMH

ERA.
Larry

... but if you can't tell the difference between an ERA and an SPF, then save your money and buy an SPF. That's not a swipe at SPF, as there are guys out there that truly can't tell one from another.

[LMH]

One could always ask if they didn't know. If the seller doesn't know, leave!
Larry

[WardL]

IMO the Superformance is the sweet spot for a used vehicle. There are so many for sale and you know you are getting the same basic setup and dependability almost every time. I didn't and still don't know much about all the other brands, but I knew I did not want a Cobra someone else built I didn't know the quality of the builder. I'm owner biased now because I have a SPF, but I wasn't owner biased before buying my SPF in 2010. It was a great decision and I am very pleased with the SPF. I don't care the speedo isn't accurate or the gas gauge isn't perfect. It starts every time I hit the little red button on the dash! The hunt is as much fun as the ride!!

[buddyg]

Agreed this is my third SPF and you can't beat them.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by LMH

One could always ask if they didn't know. If the seller doesn't know, leave!
Larry

See what I mean?